The Ultimate Guide to Casual Shirts: Styles, Materials, Patterns & Best Brands

Author: Robin Blake | Casual Structure with Smart Fit from Tellar.co.uk

The casual shirt is the backbone of modern menswear. Smarter than a tee, more relaxed than a button-down, it’s what you reach for when you want comfort without compromising style. Whether you’re dressing for brunch, travel, a day at the office or just upgrading your everyday rotation — the right casual shirt gets the job done.

At Tellar.co.uk, we size your casual shirts based on your real measurements, matched to 1,500+ brands. Here’s your complete breakdown of shirt styles, fabrics, patterns, styling tips and the brands that do them best.

Key Casual Shirt Styles

Oxford Shirt

Button-down collar, heavy cotton, always in style. Great worn open over a tee or buttoned under a jacket. Try white, pale blue or striped for layering.

Cuban Collar / Camp Collar

Open collar, boxy fit, short sleeve. Designed for hot weather and laid-back settings. Works with chinos or tailored shorts.

Overshirt / Shacket

Heavier fabric, relaxed fit, often with patch pockets. Ideal for transitional weather. Layer over a tee or rollneck for extra depth.

Chambray / Denim Shirt

Lighter than jeans, but with similar texture. Perfect for smart weekend looks or layered with chinos. Avoid doubling with denim unless shades are clearly different.

Poplin Shirt

Smooth and structured but still wearable casually. Often seen in patterned versions — ideal tucked or untucked depending on cut.

Fabric Breakdown

• Oxford cotton: Durable, structured, softens with wear

• Linen: Light, breezy, best for warm months

• Chambray: Lightweight denim lookalike, stylish and breathable

• Brushed cotton: Warm, soft, ideal for autumn and layering

• Poplin: Smooth, clean finish, slightly more formal

Patterns That Work

• Checks: Flannel, gingham, or large-scale plaids. Great for layering or solo

• Stripes: Vertical for elongating, horizontal for casual style

• Floral/Prints: Best in camp collar styles or short sleeve summer fits

• Colourblock: A confident style twist — stick to muted tones for longevity

Best Brands for Casual Shirts

GANT

The original Oxford shirt specialist. Timeless button-downs, stripes, and soft collar structure. A smart upgrade on high street basics.

Reiss

Sleek casual shirts in subtle prints and sharp cuts. Their resort shirts and modern Oxfords work well dressed up or down.

Ralph Lauren

Classic American icons: Oxfords, chambrays, and camp collars. Cut for a range of fits — Slim, Custom and Classic.

COS

Clean, minimalist overshirts, poplins and boxy cuts. A go-to for contemporary shapes in neutral colour palettes.

Hugo Boss

Casual shirting with structure — stretch cotton, slim cuts and refined prints. Excellent under bombers or blazers.

Marks & Spencer

Big range of linen, check, Oxford and stretch-cotton shirts at accessible prices. Good fit options and wide sizing range.

Armani Exchange

Sharp casual shirts with an urban edge. Great for nights out or polished streetwear looks.

Barbour

Tartan shirts, brushed flannels and rugged overshirts. Perfect for country-to-city transitions.

Casual Shirt Styling Tips

• Leave top 1–2 buttons open for effortless smart-casual looks

• Tuck into tailored trousers, leave untucked with denim or shorts

• Layer overshirts over tees or polos for depth and structure

• Choose patterns that complement your complexion and wardrobe

Fit First, Always with Tellar

Shirts only work when they fit. Whether slim or boxy, overshirts or camp collars — Tellar ensures your shirt size is right for your frame, every time.

• Start with our men’s measurement guide

• Use our brand size lookup tool to find your perfect shirt fit instantly

Casual doesn’t mean careless. The right shirt fits like confidence.

Visit Tellar.co.uk – Smarter size. Better style.